BIOGRAPHY
Shirley King born October 26, 1949, Memphis, Tennessee her father is the one and only B. B. King.
Being the blues singing daughter of B.B. King has earned Shirley King the title “Daughter of the Blues,” but she is an outstanding singer and performer in her own right. Her father's career exposed her to the company of great singers.
Born and raised in Memphis, Shirley began singing in the church choir at age nine. When she was 13 she met another music legend – Etta James. Young Shirley was so impressed by Etta's performance that she made Etta her musical role model.
Ruth Brown and the late Mahalia Jackson also greatly influenced the fledgling singer. She says, "I grew up around the stage watching my dad become famous, but I never imagined I'd become a blues singer too." Ms. King came late to the blues, first trying it on in 1990. Within six months, she was a regular performer at the Kingston Mines.
Two years later she saw the release of her first CD, "Jump Through My Keyhole" on the Japanese GBW label. Once her father caught her act he lent his full support to Shirley's efforts at carrying on the blues tradition.
She admits that having a legendary father helped her get through doors, but it was her talent, charisma and high-energy stage presence that got her invited back. From traditional blues to gospel to funky R&B to smooth soul, Shirley defies genre and her singing and stage antics will fire you up! SHirley recently released her hit single Shelter In The Storm dedicated to all cancer survivors.
Venues: Shirley performs Wednesday's at The Joynt in Chciago, Illinois. Shirley has sung at major blues clubs and festivals worldwide.
She toured the U.S., Canada, Italy, France and Iceland as “The Daughter of the Blues.” She has performed with B.B. King, Bobby Bland, Albert King, George Lindsay, Little Milton, Tyrone Davis, Otis Clay, Jerry Butler, Koko Taylor, Lonnie Brooks, Eddie Clearwater, Billy Branch and many others.
Shirley recently toured Brazil and Argentina for a 6 week tour 2011. Shirley's music can be found on Indie and Commerical Radio. Private Party, Michigan, 8/10. Evanston Festival, Evanston, ILL August 2010;
Performed at Women in Blues Sepember 17, 2011 Shirley performed at Chicago Blues Festival 2010 and 2011.